Category Archives: Issues
November 2018
New Shoe Insole Could Provide Healing On-the-Go
Purdue University researchers have developed a shoe insole that could help make the healing process more portable for people who have diabetes-related foot ulcers. The researchers used lasers to shape silicone-based rubber into insoles and then create reservoirs that gradually release oxygen throughout the day. Continue reading
November 2018
Curbell Plastics Named Exclusive Supplier of ProComp Sheet
Curbell Plastics, Orchard Park, NY, has been named the exclusive supplier of ProComp sheet across the U.S. ProComp is an innovative polypropylene material reinforced with carbon fibers for a 25% increase in stiffness. The individual fibers provide the ability of the composite to flow and stretch during melt temperature vacuum forming. Curbell Plastics was selected due to its orthotic and prosthetic expertise within the Curbell O&P specialty group. Continue reading
November 2018
36″ x 4″ Pro-Roller Foam Rollers
OPTP has added a new 4″ diameter foam roller to its elite Pro-Roller line, available in standard and soft densities. The 36″ x 4″ roller is closer to the ground than the regular 36″ x 6″ diameter roller, for a safer, more stable feeling. They are well suited for the elderly, beginners, or individuals with a compromised sense of balance and are easier to control while using for massage. Continue reading
November 2018
Supportive Shock-Absorbing Orthotics
Cadence Insoles introduces a new model to its line of exclusive, retail-only, over-the-counter orthotics. The EX MP provides semi-rigid support, durable high-rebound/low-compression set polyurethane foam, and an antimicrobial, low-friction CoolMax top cover with a built-in metatarsal pad. The EX MP is only available for purchase from physicians’ offices and select retailers; it is not available for online sales. Continue reading
November 2018
CMS Releases 2019 HCPCS Code Changes
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes, effective for claims with a date of service on or after January 1, 2019. The following code changes are relevant to lower extremity care providers… Continue reading
November 2018
ABC Updates Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Exam
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) has established a minimum score to pass the therapeutic shoe fitter certification exam. Certified therapeutic shoe fitters participated in an ABC standard setting meeting to set this new criteria. A new form of the CFts exam was also approved earlier this year; it will be administered for the first time in February 2019. Continue reading
November 2018
Posted CP-3300 Orthotic Shell
KLM Laboratories continues to help practitioners meet the ever-changing needs of each patient. The Posted CP-3300 orthotic shell is the newest addition to the KLM prefabricated product family. This semi-flexible polypropylene shell has a 2-degree inverted rear foot post that is lightweight and low bulk. The design of the horseshoe shape will allow for heel lift attachments, which are under development. Continue reading
November 2018
DJO Global to Be Acquired by Colfax for $13.5B
Colfax, Annapolis Junction, MD, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DJO Global, Vista, CA, for $3.15 billion. The transaction, which will be funded with cash, debt, and equity, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019. Upon closing of the sale, DJO Global will operate as a new segment within Colfax and be led by current DJO Global President and CEO Brady Shirley, who will report directly to… Continue reading
November 2018
Ottobock C-Brace Lower-Limb Orthosis
The new C-Brace by Ottobock HealthCare uses the world’s first mechatronic stance and swing phase control orthosis (SSCO) system, introduced with the original C-Brace, to control stance and swing phase with microprocessor sensor technology. Building upon the features of the first-generation C-Brace, the new C-Brace is smaller and lighter, allowing it to be worn under clothing. Continue reading
November 2018
Cleveland Clinic Researcher Receives Grant for ACL Surgery Research
Kurt P. Spindler, MD, of Cleveland Clinic and founder of the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Group, has received a 5-year, $6 million grant to study techniques used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The grant, awarded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, supports a multi-center, randomized clinical trial… Continue reading
November 2018
Waldlaufer Extra- Wide Women’s Lace-up
German comfort footwear company Waldlaufer introduces the stylish new Kagan lace-up, a therapeutic shoe without the therapeutic look, designed to accommodate the footwear needs of women with extra-wide feet, bunions, and hammertoes. Like every Waldlaufer shoe, the Kagan is handcrafted in Europe using the finest leathers and super-light, air cushion soles. Continue reading
November 2018
Grant Awarded to Develop AI App to Monitor Patient Movements
A group led by Cambridge Bio-Augmentation Systems (CBAS) was awarded a £865,000 grant by Innovate UK to develop an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platform that analyzes patients’ daily physical movements. The solution will apply to a wide range of conditions and help clinicians make data-informed decisions about patient progress and well being, with the aim of improving care and providing greater insight for patients and their families Continue reading
November 2018
HHS Seeks Public Comment on Draft Strategy to Reduce Health IT Burden
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a draft strategy to help reduce administrative and regulatory burden on clinicians caused by the use of health information technology such as electronic health records (EHRs). Continue reading
November 2018
X-Large Therafirm Ease Compression Hosiery
Therafim’s Ease line of compression hosiery debuted in 2014, growing in popularity and expanding ever since. Now, Therafirm has expanded the line with the introduction of X-Large sizes. Compression knee highs are sized by ankle and calf circumferences. With new sizing including X-Large, Ease knee highs now fit ankle and calf circumferences up to 15” and 23”, respectively. Continue reading
November 2018
Foot Orientation Apparatus for 3D Foot Scanning
New from PAL Heath Technologies is the Foot Orientation Apparatus (patent pending, serial number 62/739,962) to be used with PAL’s Xtremity 3D foot scanner. The lightweight and portable apparatus was developed to obtain subtalar neutral positioning of the foot, ensuring foot scans are more accurate for the physician and more comfortable for the patient. Continue reading
November 2018
New NATA Recommendations Address Patellofemoral Pain
Patellofemoral pain (PFP), one of the most common knee problems in active people, is also one of the most challenging conditions to manage, due to its complex nature. To support athletic trainers and other healthcare providers who treat the problem, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) has published recommendations and a framework for identifying risk factors and managing patients who experience PFP. Continue reading
November 2018
Poor Balance Tied to Visual Acuity–Peripheral Vascular Disease Interaction
Poor vision has long been known as a risk factor for poor balance. This is particularly true in older adults as they perform complex balancing tasks, such as standing on 1 foot. A team of Canadian researchers wanted to determine whether poor vision would be more strongly related to standing balance in older adults who had peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or diabetes.
November 2018
ADA Issues New Guidelines for Youth with T2D
Youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D), defined as T2D that develops before 20 years of age, is a growing medical challenge in the United States. A national study reported a 4.8% increase in newly diagnosed cases of T2D in this age group from 2002 to 2012. Continue reading
November 2018
VA Reports Downward Trend in Surgical Adverse Events
In an 8-year quality improvement follow-up study of reported surgical adverse events (AEs) at the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA), researchers found 277 AEs and 206 “close calls.” The data show a continuing of the downward trend from 1.74 to 0.47 AEs with harm for every 100,000 procedures, compared to the previous similar VHA studies (the periods 2001-2006 and 2006-2009). Continue reading
November 2018
HIPAA Violations Can Be Costly
A Connecticut allergy practice has agreed to pay $125,000 and enter a corrective action plan to settle an alleged Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule violation. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the violation occurred when one of the practice’s physicians disclosed a patient’s protected health information to a member of the media. Continue reading
November 2018
Vexing Question: How Soon Should Patients Drive After Lower-Extremity Surgery?
The answer doesn’t come easily; official guidelines are lacking. Ultimately, patients bear responsibility for the decision, but you can still offer them valuable advice for keeping safe. “Doctor, when can I start driving again?” That’s a common question patients ask when they’re headed for lower-extremity surgery. But it’s not always an easy one to answer.
By Keith Loria Continue reading
November 2018
Exploring Stability and Freedom with the GYROKINESIS® Method
New somatic practice uses repeated movements, breath awareness and rhythmic patterns to loosen joints and ease muscle tension. The GYROKINESIS® Method* is a unique form of somatic practice that is gaining popularity around the world. The Gyrokinesis Method promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being that could be useful to a variety of populations.
By Marianne Adams, MA, MFA Continue reading
November 2018
Stylish Prosthetic Limbs Boost Amputees’ Quality of Life
Aesthetic devices respond to emotional needs and can lead to “positive conversations”. In the early 1900s in the United Kingdom, the National Health Service considered glasses and spectacles medical devices—designed to be functional, but without any consideration of style and experience.1 As a result, said Stefania Sansoni, PhD, companies that made eyeglasses didn’t think about their appearance. “They were thinking about not attracting attention,” she said.
By Nicole Wetsman Continue reading
November 2018
National Biomechanics Day 2018: Opening Young Minds to a Burgeoning Field
National Biomechanics Day (NBD) 2018—April 11, 2018—continued building excitement for the field by engaging 11,000 young students across 150-plus sites around the globe. The home-grown events allow high school (and younger) students to experience first-hand a field that underlies orthopedics, exercise physiology science, physical therapy, and countless other fields that involve human movement and performance. Continue reading
November 2018
The PodPAD Project: A Podiatry-led Integrated Pathway for People with Peripheral Arterial Disease in the UK – a Pilot Study
Clinical evidence suggests that this intervention (foot care plus advice on diet, exercise & smoking) is highly effective at reducing the progression into acute care and can reduce the incidence of amputation by 60%.
By Lisa Farndon, John Stephenson, Oliver Binns-Hall, Kayleigh Knight, and Sally Fowler-Davis Continue reading
